DARLINGTON - Arnie Miehe recently was selected as the National Federation of State High School Associations Wisconsin Cross Country Coach of the Year.
"It's very humbling," Miehe said of the award he will be honored for the 2014-15 season. "I know a lot of coaches who deserve that award. To have so many people talk of you like that means a lot to me."
Miehe is in his 34th year of coaching and has guided the Darlington boys to four straight WIAA Division 3 state championships. He has been named the Wisconsin Cross Country Coaches Association Division 3 Coach of the Year four consecutive years. Miehe credits the athletes in Darlington he has had the chance to mentor and coach.
"If you don't have the kids who are willing to put in the work you can't accomplish these things," he said. "It's more about the community and the kids."
The NFHS recognizes a coach in each state for their achievement to cross country. As a state level award winner, Miehe will be considered for the NFHS sectional coach of the year. Wisconsin is in sectional 4 along with Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Michigan. The National Coach of the Year is selected from a pool of sectional winners.
The award is given based on several criteria, including coaching record, coaching honors and involvement in community and school organizations.
Miehe organizes a 172-mile summer run, "Run Across Wisconsin" in conjunction with the Lafayette County Relay for Life. Darlington cross country runners start in Racine, and they head to Monroe and then to the Mississippi River in East Dubuque.
Miehe said the Darlington cross country team raises $1,500 a year for the Lafayette County Relay for Life.
Each runner during the fundraising event runs 800 meters at a time and logs seven miles the first day and five miles the second day, he said depending on the number of participants.
"We seem to have a family atmosphere kids enjoy," Miehe said. "I enjoy watching kids learn about themselves."
One of the unique aspects of cross country for Miehe is that progress can be measured and improvement sought from every runner no matter the ability.
"The No. 1 and the No. 20 runner get the same benefit out of being involved," he said of cross country. "The No. 20 runner is in awe of the No. 1 runner and how fast they are. The No. 1 runner is in awe of the No. 20 runner and the discipline and resiliency they have. There is a mutual respect."
"It's very humbling," Miehe said of the award he will be honored for the 2014-15 season. "I know a lot of coaches who deserve that award. To have so many people talk of you like that means a lot to me."
Miehe is in his 34th year of coaching and has guided the Darlington boys to four straight WIAA Division 3 state championships. He has been named the Wisconsin Cross Country Coaches Association Division 3 Coach of the Year four consecutive years. Miehe credits the athletes in Darlington he has had the chance to mentor and coach.
"If you don't have the kids who are willing to put in the work you can't accomplish these things," he said. "It's more about the community and the kids."
The NFHS recognizes a coach in each state for their achievement to cross country. As a state level award winner, Miehe will be considered for the NFHS sectional coach of the year. Wisconsin is in sectional 4 along with Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Michigan. The National Coach of the Year is selected from a pool of sectional winners.
The award is given based on several criteria, including coaching record, coaching honors and involvement in community and school organizations.
Miehe organizes a 172-mile summer run, "Run Across Wisconsin" in conjunction with the Lafayette County Relay for Life. Darlington cross country runners start in Racine, and they head to Monroe and then to the Mississippi River in East Dubuque.
Miehe said the Darlington cross country team raises $1,500 a year for the Lafayette County Relay for Life.
Each runner during the fundraising event runs 800 meters at a time and logs seven miles the first day and five miles the second day, he said depending on the number of participants.
"We seem to have a family atmosphere kids enjoy," Miehe said. "I enjoy watching kids learn about themselves."
One of the unique aspects of cross country for Miehe is that progress can be measured and improvement sought from every runner no matter the ability.
"The No. 1 and the No. 20 runner get the same benefit out of being involved," he said of cross country. "The No. 20 runner is in awe of the No. 1 runner and how fast they are. The No. 1 runner is in awe of the No. 20 runner and the discipline and resiliency they have. There is a mutual respect."
